Griptillian, F1, or Vanguard?

T

Timblade

Joined
May 31, 2006
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I'm looking for a new fixed blade, my first really, to use primarily as an all-around camp knife. I've heard a lot about the Falkniven F1, but I was able to find a Benchmade Griptillian in 154CM steel for less than the cost of the F1, around $60. I'm also considering the Buck Vanguard as a possibility too. Has anyone used both the F1 and Griptillian? I'd be interestd to hear how edge retention, weight, and sheaths compare between these two.

Thanks for any advice!
 
F1, F1, F1....the convex grind is easy to maintain through simple stropping and can litterally go through weeks of normal daily use without sharpening, sharpening while while different with a convex grind is easy to master as well the f1 will take whatever you throw at it and as for more...hands dow a superior knife to the vanguard, but I donot own a griptillian.
 
Two bits of information I can offer up from my own experiences: the Fallkniven F1 will do deep cuts better due to the full flat ground blade, but the Fixed Griptilian should handle chopping better since it appears to have more weight in the blade.

VG-10 is superior to 154CM. By how much is somewhat subjective.
 
I've been looking at a fixed griptilian myself,but don't know what kind of grind it might have. I have a couple F1's and they are a real nice knife.
 
RescueRiley said:
F1, F1, F1....the convex grind is easy to maintain through simple stropping and can litterally go through weeks of normal daily use without sharpening, sharpening while while different with a convex grind is easy to master as well the f1 will take whatever you throw at it and as for more...hands dow a superior knife to the vanguard, but I donot own a griptillian.
Click to expand...


Riley have you been hitting the bottle again ? I agree with you on the F1 but I had to re-read your post 3 times !!!!:D
 
Thanks guys. Has anyone handled both the Griptillian and the F1? It looks like the blade is a bit larger on the Griptillian and the sheath looks to be actually functional. The sheath options on the F1 don't seem too appealing to me, but I have no idea how many raving reviews of the F1 I've read.
 
The leather sheath is actually really good for the F1, the plastic one does look like garbage though. If you don't like either get Normark to make you one.
 
Well. I too would recommend the F1. But then I have 26 of them already :)
I know people dont like the new zytel sheath because it might look ugly. Well, it is practical and fits very nicely in Molle wests.
The closed leather sheath for the F1 is for people who carry the knife more than they use it (turn the flap over and tuck it between the belt and your pants and it stays open). The open leather is more for camping use and such. A classic way of carrying a knife.
The zytel sheath are for hunters, who gets their knife full of blood and stuff, and for militar people who want a sheath that can take a beating. It also holds the thin sharpener glued onto it.

How to attach an F1 to a Molle:
1. Hold the sheath on the west where you want it.
2. For handle up, move the sheath two straps up from your desired position. Inverted - two straps down.
3. Press the sheath inside the straps you just passed. It will fit nicely.
4. Now you will have one strap just between the top of the sheath and the retaining strap. Press the whole belt and ret-strap part under that strap and the next one.
Done.

Now you will have as follows:
Under the top strap- top of belt thing.
Retainer strap
Under second from top - belt thing.
Opening of sheath
three from top - behind sheath
Under four and five from top - bottom of sheath.
Inverted is same, but opposite.

I do not have a molle west so I tested this on the backside of a LMF II but I hope it works in reality as well.

Anyone who understands my idea and have a west could please post a picture of it for real.
 
Edge retention goes to the F1, but ease of carry goes to the Griptilian. The Grip is a very good knife, but it's not a fixed blade.
 
I have had the fixed grip and I didn't like how the tang sticks out of the handle, it just wasn't comfortable. It also didn't feel right as a camp knife, too much like the folder I guess. I just got a Vanguard with the wood handle today and it is great, easily my favorite fixed even over my two Bark Rivers. It just feels like a quality knife and it looks great. I have no experience with the F1, but for the money I would get a BRKT first, traditional styleing, convex edges, leather sheath, and made in the US. I have been very happy with my BRKTs, but the Vanguard just fits me better. YMMV.
 
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